Unpacking Gun Violence in Chicago

Wednesday, October 13

5:30pm-6:45pm

International House Assembly Hall

The Chicago Police Department in on pace to take more than 12,000 guns off Chicago streets this year, a record number that includes guns ranging from pistols to assault rifles. 2021 is on pace to be the deadliest year in Chicago in nearly a quarter century with shootings up 67% compared to pre-pandemic levels. What is being done to confront this spike in violence in Chicago? What factors drive the shootings in Chicago and spiking violence? Why are there so many guns in Chicago when the city and state have some of the nation’s most restrictive gun laws?

Please join U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Chicago), a leading advocate for gun control legislation in Congress; Ed Sullivan, a former Illinois State Representative and lobbyist with the Illinois State Rifle Association; and Roseanna Ander, executive director of the UChicago Crime Lab, as they unpack the topic of raging gun violence bedeviling Chicago. The Chicago Tribune’s Annie Sweeney will moderate the conversation.

Note that the main entrance to International House is currently for residents only. Attendees should use the door on South Dorchester Avenue to enter.

This convening is open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.

If you are not currently affiliated with the University (enrolled student, faculty, or staff) it is expected that you review the University’s COVID mitigation efforts. The University expects every person who comes to a University facility, whether as an academic appointee, postdoctoral researcher, staff member, student, volunteer, contractor, or visitor, to adopt precautions designed to mitigate the risk of viral transmission. Masks must be worn in University facilities at all times.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Christine Hurley (cehurley@uchicago.edu).

Can’t join us in-person? Watch the livestream.